Iran releases video of Mojtaba Khamenei to counter ill-health reports

The video, released for the first time by Mehr, appears aimed at countering growing speculation over Khamenei's health and whereabouts. Mehr is a semi-official Iranian news agency sponsored by the government and operated by the Islamic Development Organisation.

The footage comes after reports in Israeli media claimed that Khamenei had been rushed to a hospital and that concerns over his health were circulating among Iran's leadership. On Friday, Israeli Channel 14, citing sources inside Iran, reported that Khamenei's condition was extremely serious.

What Happened

An earlier report by The Jerusalem Post, citing IranWire and sources close to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian's administration, also reported concerns about his health. The release of the video by Mehr appears to be an attempt by Iranian state-linked media to push.

• In May, defying all the speculation, Khamenei's office said that the Supreme Leader is healthy and is overseeing the affairs.

• The prolonged absence of the Supreme Leader also intensified earlier speculation about his death.

• He was not even seen at his father's funeral.

Key Details

Since assuming the position, he has not made any public appearances and has only communicated through written statements.

• Mojtaba, a 56-year-old Islamic cleric, became the Supreme Leader of Iran after his father died in the combined attacks of the US and Israel on February 28.

• As per a report by ANI, the President, in a state TV interview, said that direct communication with the Supreme Leader has become very difficult.

• Meanwhile, all the conjectures revolving around Mojtaba's health garnered further momentum following President Masoud Pezeshkian's statement.

Why It Matters

However, the video is undated, and its timing or circumstances could not be independently verified.

What Reports Say

Coverage of the story so far points to:

• Continued reporting by India Today as more details emerge